Ringling College of Art and Design has officially opened submissions for its 2025 Theme Park Design Competition, inviting high school juniors and seniors from across the United States to showcase their creativity and design talent in the field of Entertainment Design.
The competition challenges students to solve a fictional design problem: to conceptualize a mobile, all-weather merchandise cart that delivers a unique, immersive retail experience to theme park guests. For many young entertainment design professionals working in the themed entertainment industry, designing a Themed Cart is a typical first design opportunity. Entrants are encouraged to think beyond traditional retail, infusing their designs with innovation, storytelling, and an understanding of how guests engage with physical spaces in entertainment environments.
Submissions opened September 1 and will be accepted until November 30, 2025. The winners will be announced in January 2026.
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Prestigious Prizes and Opportunities
Up to three top winners will receive a VIP behind-the-scenes experience with Universal Studios, including travel and accommodations, plus:
- A $20,000 tuition scholarship to an undergraduate program at Ringling College (non-transferable; dependent on admission for Fall 2026 or Fall 2027)
- Full tuition scholarship to Ringling’s PreCollege program in Summer 2026 or 2027
- Half tuition scholarship to Ringling’s PreCollege program in Summer 2026 or 2027
Select finalists will also receive a Ringling/Universal Studios merchandise prize package and have their work included in a special exhibition at Universal Creative or another Universal Studios-owned facility.
Who Can Enter?
The competition is open to U.S. high school students currently enrolled in grades 11 and 12 during the 2025–26 academic year.
Interested students can download the official project brief—which outlines all the submission guidelines and creative parameters—from Ringling College’s website. This document serves as a roadmap to help students craft their entries and better understand the expectations of themed entertainment design.
Encouraging the Next Generation of Designers
The competition underscores Ringling College’s commitment to fostering innovation in the arts and entertainment industries, particularly through its Entertainment Design major—one of the few programs of its kind in the country. By collaborating with Universal Studios, the college offers high school students a rare opportunity to gain exposure to professional design challenges and receive feedback from industry leaders.
Students and educators are encouraged to visit Ringling College’s official website or follow the college on social media for updates. For more information, competition guidelines, and access to the project brief, visit Ringling College’s official website.
Learn more about the competition.
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communications@ringling.edu
941-309-4008
